EV Charging Comparison
BYD Dolphin vs BYD Seal: Which Charges Faster?
Updated March 2026
The BYD Dolphin MY25 and BYD Seal both charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 36 minutes. Same time, different story. The Seal adds significantly more range per minute of charging because its average DC power is nearly double the Dolphin's. If you have an earlier Dolphin (MY23-24), charging is slower still at approximately 88 kW peak. Here is what the numbers actually mean for daily use and road trips.
All specifications are approximate and based on manufacturer data and independent testing as of March 2026. Actual performance varies by model year, software version, battery temperature, charger hardware, and driving conditions. Prices change frequently and vary by market. Check your vehicle's manual for exact specifications. EVcourse is not affiliated with BYD or any vehicle manufacturer.
Charging Speed Comparison: Dolphin vs Seal
The headline number, 36 minutes from 10% to 80%, is nearly identical for both cars. But the power delivery behind that number is very different.
| Spec (approximate) | BYD Dolphin (MY25) | BYD Seal (82.5 kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | ~60.5 kWh | ~82.5 kWh |
| Peak DC charging | Up to ~110 kW | Up to ~150 kW |
| Average DC power (10-80%) | ~75 kW | ~100 kW |
| Time 10-80% | ~36 min | ~36 min |
| AC charging | Up to 11 kW | Up to 11 kW |
| WLTP rated range | ~427 km | ~570 km |
| Estimated real-world consumption | ~173 Wh/km | ~172 Wh/km |
| Connector (Europe) | CCS2 + Type 2 | CCS2 + Type 2 |
Note: the earlier BYD Dolphin (MY23-24) charges at up to approximately 88 kW peak and approximately 65 kW average, with a 10-80% time of roughly 40 minutes. The figures above are for the updated MY25 model.
Both cars use BYD's Blade LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery. The Seal simply has a larger pack and a higher-power charging system. That means the same 36-minute charging window fills a much bigger battery.
Why Average Charging Power Matters More Than Peak
Peak charging speed is a marketing number. Average charging power is what determines how long you actually wait. The Dolphin MY25 peaks at approximately 110 kW and averages approximately 75 kW across the 10-80% window. The Seal peaks at approximately 150 kW and holds approximately 100 kW on average. The gap is even larger with the older MY23-24 Dolphin, which averages roughly 65 kW.
What does that mean in practice? During a 36-minute charging stop, the Dolphin MY25 adds roughly 45 kWh of usable energy. The Seal adds roughly 60 kWh. That translates to approximately 260 km of range for the Dolphin and approximately 350 km for the Seal, based on their similar consumption figures.
The Seal's charging curve holds higher power for longer before tapering. The Dolphin's curve drops more steeply after its brief peak. Both slow dramatically above 80%, which is normal for LFP batteries.
Range and Efficiency: How Far on a Full Charge?
The Dolphin and Seal have remarkably similar estimated real-world energy consumption, approximately 172 to 173 Wh/km. The range difference comes almost entirely from battery size. The Seal's approximately 82.5 kWh pack delivers approximately 570 km of WLTP rated range. The Dolphin's approximately 60.5 kWh pack delivers approximately 427 km.
WLTP figures are lab-tested. Actual range varies with speed, weather, terrain, climate control use, and driving style. In winter, expect both cars to lose 20% to 30% of their rated range. The Seal's larger battery gives more buffer in cold conditions, which means less range anxiety on longer trips.
Price Gap: Is the Seal Worth the Premium?
The BYD Seal costs approximately 14,000 to 15,000 euros more than the Dolphin, depending on the market. Prices fluctuate frequently and vary by trim, options, and local incentives. These figures are approximate as of March 2026.
| Market (approximate) | BYD Dolphin | BYD Seal |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ~£30,200 | ~£45,700 |
| Germany | ~€34,600 | ~€49,000 |
| Netherlands | ~€37,200 | ~€48,700 |
Prices shown are approximate starting prices and change frequently. Check your local BYD dealer or configurator for current pricing. Government incentives may reduce the effective cost in some markets.
Which BYD Is Better for Road Trips?
The Seal is the clear road trip winner. More range between stops. More kilometers added per minute of charging. Fewer stops on long journeys. A driver covering 600 km might need two charging stops in a Dolphin but only one in a Seal.
Neither car has automatic battery preconditioning as of March 2026. In cold weather, both the Dolphin and Seal benefit from driving at highway speed for 20 to 30 minutes before plugging into a DC fast charger. Without a warm battery, LFP cells charge significantly slower.
For city driving and daily commuting, the Dolphin is more than enough. Its approximately 427 km of WLTP rated range covers most weekly driving without a public charge. If you charge at home overnight, the Dolphin's lower price makes it the smarter buy for short-distance use.
Confused by the Charger Screen? Scan It.
Whether you choose the Dolphin or the Seal, public chargers can still show confusing screens, error messages, or displays in a foreign language. The EVcourse app reads any charger or car screen and explains what it means. Point your phone at the display and get step-by-step help. Any brand, any language. Personalized to your car. Free on iOS. Android coming soon.
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From Finn, engineer: We tested both the Dolphin and Seal at the same 150 kW chargers. The 36-minute number is real for both, but the experience feels different. With the Seal, you walk away from a single stop with enough range to skip the next charger entirely. With the Dolphin, you stop more often but each stop is painless. The right choice depends entirely on how you drive.
EVcourse app provides instant troubleshooting and expert explanations at the charger. Scan any station or car screen for step-by-step help, free to start on iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BYD Dolphin or Seal charge faster?
The BYD Dolphin MY25 and BYD Seal both charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 36 minutes on a DC fast charger. However, the Seal adds significantly more range per minute because it has a larger battery and higher average charging power (approximately 100 kW vs approximately 75 kW). The earlier Dolphin MY23-24 is slower, averaging approximately 65 kW with a 10-80% time of roughly 40 minutes.
What is the maximum DC charging speed of the BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Dolphin MY25 supports DC fast charging at up to approximately 110 kW, with an average of approximately 75 kW from 10% to 80%. The earlier MY23-24 Dolphin is slower at approximately 88 kW peak and approximately 65 kW average. Like all LFP batteries, actual speed depends on battery temperature and state of charge.
Do the BYD Dolphin and Seal use the same connector?
Yes. In Europe, both the BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal use a CCS2 connector for DC fast charging and a Type 2 connector for AC charging. Both support up to 11 kW AC charging. They are compatible with all standard public chargers in Europe.
Is the BYD Seal worth the extra cost over the Dolphin?
The BYD Seal costs approximately 14,000 to 15,000 euros more than the Dolphin depending on market. For drivers who take frequent road trips, the Seal's higher average charging power and larger battery mean fewer and shorter stops. For city commuters who mostly charge at home, the Dolphin offers excellent value without the price premium.
Do the BYD Dolphin and Seal have battery preconditioning?
No. As of March 2026, neither the BYD Dolphin nor the Seal has automatic battery preconditioning for fast charging. Both use BYD's Blade LFP battery, which is more sensitive to cold temperatures during DC charging. Driving at highway speed for 20 to 30 minutes before charging helps warm the battery and improves charging speed.
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